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The restoration of pure worship; Watchtower’s “Daily Text" from a few days back touches on it:
“Return to me, . . . and I will return to you.—Zech. 1:3.
The year 537 B.C.E. was one of rejoicing for Jehovah’s dedicated people. After 70 long years of captivity, they were freed from Babylon and enthusiastically got to work on restoring true worship in Jerusalem. In 536 B.C.E., the foundation of the TEMPLE was laid. Sixteen years later, the building of Jehovah’s temple was at a standstill. God’s people needed to be reminded that they should return to Jehovah and stop putting their personal pursuits first. To help his people recall why they were freed from Babylon in the first place, God sent his prophet Zechariah in 520 B.C.E. The very name Zechariah, which means “Jehovah Has Remembered,” may have brought to mind a vital truth. Though they had forgotten Jehovah’s saving acts, God still remembered his people. (Zech. 1:3, 4) He lovingly assured them that he would help them to reestablish pure worship, but he also firmly warned them that he would not tolerate halfhearted worship.” w17.10 21-22 ¶2-3
JWs, are you aware we have another Temple foundation well established in the apostles and prophets? 1 Cor 12:28; Eph.2:20; 1Cor.3:10; Phil.3:17 Each human priestly “stone” that also builds upon it by speaking truth in Christ, and becoming sealed into it, are the faithful anointed chosen ones throughout the centuries. 1 John 4:6; 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17 After critical testing and refinement, each must become a source of pure worship. John 4:24; James 1:12; 1 Thess 2:4
However, what has taken place in the last century? The Temple building has been at a standstill in the Watchtower. The last remaining “stones” are scattered among the “nations”, and prohibited from “building one another up” in the Spirit of God. Ezek 22:15; Micah 5:8; 1 Cor 5:11; Eph 4:4-6; Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 12:4,5,11; 1 Thess 5:11
(See the WT 16 January p. 24, par. 😎
Can you discern this? A counterfeit priesthood, the elder body, offers sacrifices of “praise” to “Jehovah’s organization”, while God’s authentic priesthood are to obey these directives or be symbolically “killed”. Num 18:7;Rev 13:15; Dan 8:11; 9:27; Matt 24:15; Rev 11:1,2 It is not possible for anointed who are admonished to remain in the organization, to equally remain in Christ, the Head of the Temple body. John 15:4-7; Rom 8:35,37; Jer 23:9-14
We cannot serve two masters which is an act of “halfhearted worship” toward God. The chief cornerstone of truth has been rejected for an idol; built on lies, and by the hands of men. Matt 6:24; Rom 6:16; Rom 1:25; Ps 118:22,23; Matt 21:42-44; John 14:6
In that same WT magazine, the statement is made:
“In these last days, Jehovah’s people have been able to do a great work. This has been possible because of Jehovah’s blessing and Christ’s leadership. We are happy to be part of a STABLE, SECURE, AND EVERLASTING ORGANIZATION, and we know that Jehovah’s purpose for pure worship will come true.”
The promise of “pure worship” is a cover-up for a delusion created at Satan’s hand, with its purpose to lead God’s people into another “Babylon”. Isa 28:14,15; 2 Thess 2:9-12; Rev 13:10,11; 17:3-6; 18:4-8 Although Christ and 144,000 are mentioned in the article, no scripture points to the true Temple built with “living stones”, but addresses the organization comprised of all JWs. Slyly accomplished, the temple building activity and restoration of true worship spoken of in Zechariah, is applied to an earthly organization today. God’s anointed Temple is bypassed as nonexistent; yet Jesus said “destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” He didn’t have in mind the Watchtower IDOL, “but he was speaking about the temple of his body”. John 2:19,21; Matt 16:18; Isa 28:16 He is the “’precious cornerstone, a sure foundation” of GOD’S Temple only, having no interest in an EARTHLY ENTITY/ ORGANIZATION/CORPORATION EXISITING IN SATAN’S WORLD that stands on shaky ground. Luke 4:8; Matt 7:24-27 Where do YOU think his attention should be focused on, JWs? The Temple of God, or the temple of men?
Built under God’s specifications, the early tabernacle and temple were blessed with God’s Spirit. Exod 40:34; 2 Chron 5:13,14 It was His decision to choose them as His “dwelling place” in Spirit. Since Christ, we have another temple in the making – another dwelling place God has chosen as His own. Acts 7:47-50; 1 Cor 3:16,17; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:19-22
**Sidepoint: In reference to the Man of Lawlessness/elder body/counterfeit priesthood sitting in or ruling over the temple sanctuary, Rev 11:1,2 says the “outer court” of the temple is trampled by the Gentiles. I find it interesting that in Ezekiel’s temple vision he is in the “inner court” when the “glory of the Lord filled the Temple.” Ezek 43:5
Ezekiel continues:
Then I heard Him speaking to me from the temple, while a man stood beside me. 7 And He said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of My throne and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever. No more shall the house of Israel defile My holy name, they nor their kings, by their harlotry or with the carcasses of their kings on their high places. Ezek 43:6,7
Isa 66:1,2 - This is what the Lord says:
Heaven is my throne,
and earth is my footstool.
Where could you possibly build a house for me?
And where would my resting place be?
2 My hand made all these things,
and so they all came into being.
This is the Lord’s declaration.
I will look favorably on this kind of person:
one who is humble, submissive in spirit,
and trembles at my word.”
For those who are interested, Pearl Doxsey has written an excellent article on the question of accuracy regarding Rev 11:2; whether it should read the outer or inner court where the “trampling” of the Holy City occurs. I have actually found a Greek Interlinear that specifies the “inner court” in the Greek breakdown, but transcribes it as the “outer court”. Just type in “outer court” in her search box.**
It is so wickedly presumptuous for haughty men to believe THEY can label the work of their own hands, their own conception as inspired by God, convincing millions that God has willingly chosen their brainstorm over His divine plan already in progress for the last 2,000 years. Rev 13:11,15
WT 85/3/15 p. 10 - “GOD’S ORGANIZATION.” That expression was used by a member of the Watch Tower Society’s editorial staff during the daily Bible discussion at the Bethel dining tables over 60 years ago. How it thrilled the headquarters family in Brooklyn, New York! That UNIQUE PHRASE, “God’s organization,” served to GUIDE THE FUTURE THINKING, SPEECH AND WRITING of those Bible Students. It broadened their spiritual VISION with regard to all creation and greatly influenced their attitude toward the marvelous Organizer of the universe, Jehovah God.
No! This “vision” had another spirit at its helm; Satan, the father of the lie. Jer 23:16 From this point, the Beast that rises out of the “sea” of spiritual “Gentiles”, became a “spirit-directed organization”, declared as owned by God. Jer 6:23 “Life” was breathed into the concept of “organization” by a Harlot/false prophet, AS AN INSTRUMENT OF SATAN’S to conquer the authentic Temple of God. Jer 6:23;Isa 5:14; Rev 13:1-3,5-7; 16:13;14; 9:7,10; 20:7-9
From the Amplified Bible: “You shall not make [gods to share] with Me [My glory and your worship]; gods of silver or gods of gold you shall not make for yourselves.” Exod 20:23
Kingdom Ministry 8/82 pg 1: “Loyalty and godly devotion are essentials of true WORSHIP. (2 Tim. 2:19) Jehovah God rightly expects each of us to maintain a DEVOTED ATTACHMENT to him AND his visible earthly organization.”
Can you see that you are expected to give worship to the organization through your "loyalty and godly devotion to it?"
JWs, peppered throughout your magazines and research books, the identity of the true Temple of God is mentioned, yet only enough to supply bits of of truth to keep the anointed ‘captivated’ and vaguely aware of who they are. Isa 5:13 The concept of an “everlasting organization” that offers peace, security and salvation, has effectively permeated the heart, mind and soul of God’s scattered Temple stones. Ezek 13:6,7,10; 1 Thess 5:3
“Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, live in him, firmly rooted and BUILT UP IN HIM and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding with thankfulness. BEWARE LEST ANYONE TAKE YOU CAPTIVE THROUGH PHILOSOPHY AND EMPTY DECEIT, according to the tradition of men, according to the elemental spirits of the world AND NOT ACCORDING TO CHRIST, 9 because in him all the fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you are filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority in whom also you were circumcised with a circumcision not made by hands, by the removal of the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ.” Col 2:6-11 (Rom 2:28,29
The true Temple of God is ignored today because Satan wants it DESTROYED – every last living stone under the New Covenant, that rivals his power and the idol he has created to deceive the anointed. Gen 3:15; Rev 12:1-4,17; 16:13,14 Have you, JWs, also been deceived? Willing puppets that have forfeited their covenant in Christ, have accepted Satan’s worldly offer of riches, and power over those captivated by an empty dream.
Is this defilement with the world, compared to SPIRITUAL fornication...a loss of "virginity"?
James4:4 reads:
"You ADULTEROUS PEOPLE, don’t you know that FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he JEALOUSLY longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes THE *PROUD
but shows favor to the humble.”
7 SUBMIT yourselves, then, TO God. Resist THE DEVIL, and he will flee from you."
James 4:4 shows us that an alliance ("friendship") with the world, is "adultery" toward God's spirit.
The "wicked steward" forms such a friendship (Matt.24:49; Rev.17:2; 2:22; 18:3).
His *pride is at the root of his desire to form an alliance with worldly power. Because of this spiritual fornication with that power, he subjects himself to the devil (does not "resist"/"oppose" as Jesus did Matt.4:8-10). Only Christ...the original one "born of God", can keep those who belong to him, safe from Satan (1John5:18), IF WE REMAIN UNSPOTTED FROM THE WORLD (Eph.5:27,26).
Paul spoke of this purity, at 2Cor.11:2, and it mentions the same "jealousy" as James4:5.
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2Cor.11:2 reads:
"For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you TO ONE HUSBAND, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin."
We see that Paul was not referring to a physical virginity, but a symbolic, spiritual one.
So, lets return to Rev.14:4,5:
"These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. 5 No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless."
Those who become part of God's heavenly Temple, remain free of any alliance with Satan's world. We may have been taught that this is speaking of politics, financial greed, etc.; but this alliance with the world is much more than that....
(From Pearl’s article, Spiritual Virginity -vs- The Harlot's Cup / Two Covenants; 4 womaninthewilderness blogspot)

“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Gal 5:1
JWs, can you consciously call yourselves free slaving for earthly accomplishments that are hypocritically called a “great work” blessed by God when His Temple is covertly “trampled” and its “stones” well hidden among you? Jer 22:13; Matt 24:15; 2 Thess 2:3,4 The anointed in covenant with God have disregarded their role to proclaim the truth about God’s Temple, by allowing “uncircumcised Gentiles” to speak blasphemies in their place. These “Gentiles” are counterfeit priests “circumcised” by another spirit, binding their heart with an idol formulated from the fleshly world of Satan. (Rom.2:28,29
Restoration of pure worship didn’t happen in 1919, one of many Watchtower dates to send you into confusion, but is happening now – OUTSIDE the wall of lies. Matt 17:11;Luke 1:16,17; Isa 61:3,4; James 1:12; Ezek 13:1,2,10-12

However,
INSIDE THOSE WALLS…Judah has gone into exile
following affliction and harsh slavery;
she lives among the nations
but finds no place to rest.
All her pursuers have overtaken her
in narrow places.
Her adversaries have become her masters;her enemies are at ease,
for the Lord has made her suffer
because of her many transgressions.
Her children have gone away
as captives before the adversary. Lam 1:3; 5
There are anointed and companions who have rejected the idol and look toward the true Temple Zion where sacrifices and worship toward the Almighty Father are offered “in spirit and truth”. John 4:23,24; Gal 5:24,25 These “living stones” of “New Jerusalem” who were thrown out for exposing the TRUTH about this delusion, and “killed” by “God’s organization”, are no longer trampled by men who pass themselves off as priestly “Jews”. John 16:2; Rev 13:15; 11:7; 2:8-11
“Now we ask you, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to him, 2 that you not be easily shaken from your composure, nor be troubled either by a spirit or by a message or by a letter alleged to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has arrived. 3 Do not let anyone DECEIVE you in any way, for that day will not come unless the REBELLION comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and who exalts himself over every so-called god or object of worship,
SO THAT HE SITS DOWN IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD, proclaiming that he himself is God.”
This act can only occur where the Temple exists, which is among you, JWs - in the anointed ones.
“and then the lawless one will be REVEALED, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of his mouth, and wipe out by the appearance of his coming, 9 whose coming is in accordance with the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 and with every UNRIGHTEOUS DECEPTION against those who are perishing, in place of which they did not accept the love of the truth, so that they would be saved. 11 And because of this, God sends them a powerful delusion (“A WORKING OF DECEIT”) so that they will BELIEVE THE LIE, 12 in order that all may be condemned WHO DID NOT BELIEVE THE TRUTH, but delighted in unrighteousness. 2 Thess 2:1-4,8-12
The “unique phrase”, “GOD’S ORGANIZATION”, has its own counterfeit priesthood/elder body that implements this working of deceit, which is overseen not by God, but by Satan the devil. The assumed “everlasting organization”, a counterfeit Zion directed by Satan and implemented by his “ministers”, will become LEVEL GROUND. Zech 4:7
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do MANY MIGHTY WORKS in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you WORKERS OF LAWLESSNESS.’ Matt 7:21-23
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” Matt 7:21-27

Ps 119:30 – “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
Dear JWs,
Can an idol hear the words of God? Idolatry is sourced in the spirit of the world, where Satan wields his authority. 1 John 5:19 An idol cannot speak the words of God, aiding others to reach the light of understanding and truth. John 17:17
An idol has no compassion toward those in need, extending its hand to comfort the afflicted and those suffering in sorrow; fully able to sense their needs. It cannot comprehend the examples of love and compassion we have in Christ. Matt 11:28-30
If an idol is unable to hear and speak the Word of God in Christ, then surely we know it can never walk in the path of Christ, or shine the light of truth when under the power of the wicked one. 1 Sam 12:21; Ps 119:1-5
Can an earthly fabrication, run by men, EVER bring salvation to ANYONE who joins it? And what if it does purport to be the way to salvation; can those who represent it, hear, speak, and walk in the Word of God and the path of Christ? No. It would be an act of rebellion to assign salvation to anything other than the name that scripture declares as our salvation. Its leaders would be false teachers, appearing as “ministers of light”, “holding to a form of godliness, although having denied its power”. Ps 18:2; Acts 4:12; 2 Cor 11:13-15; 2 Tim 3:5
Yes, idolatry IS an act of rebellion against God. Ezek 20:8;Ps 78:58
How do you feel about the following proclamation by your leaders, JWs?
Watchtower 1981/11/15: “come to Jehovah’s ORGANIZATION for SALVATION” pg 16-21 par 18
“There are those who rebel against the light, who do not know its ways or stay in its paths.” Job 24:13
If we take another fork in the Watchtower’s twisted road to “salvation”, what do your leaders say?
Watchtower 90/11/1 p. 26 – “We cannot take part in any modern version of idolatry – be it worshipful gestures toward an IMAGE OR SYMBOL or the imputing of SALVATION to a PERSON or an ORGANIZATION.
Please, think about this the next time you view an exJW as an “apostate”. Do you know that the most threatening “apostates” to the organization are those who have turned fully to God and Christ? Why? They do not hide their “lamp” under a basket, but speak the Word of God boldly for all of you to hear. The Word of God is truth, which exposes the Watchtower’s idolatrous identity. Luke 11:33; Rev 11:1-3; 13:1,5,11,14-17
There is no need to return to “Jehovah’s organization”, since it is, according to the above Watchtower quote, an IDOL. Those who desire to walk in the light of Christ, seek out the pure words of God, untainted by men, their decrees and twisted reasoning. They have come to know that the Father does not stand on equal ground with an organization, but He alone is our Rock and our fortress. Isa 46:5; 42:8; 2:7-10
They have found the true God. They have returned to pure worship. Isa 57:13; Ps 24:3,4
Watchtower 1953/3/1 p. 143: “Ask yourself now, Did Christ Jesus, who set our example and told us to follow his example to gain life, join any church ORGANIZATION in his day? No. GOD DOES NOT REQUIRE US TO DO THAT; but he requires us to worship him… We have the Bible to show us the right way. CERTAINLY IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR A PERSON TO BECOME A MEMBER OF A CHURCH TO GAIN EVERLASTING LIFE.”
Who then, is the apostate? One who stays clear of worldly organizations and worships in “spirit and truth”, or is it you, and your leaders who have rebelled against God by glorifying “Jehovah’s organization”? Please, reject the Watchtower Idol, JWs. As with all idols, this one is destined to topple soon. John 4:23,24

Psalm 115:
Not to us, YHVH, not to us,
but to Your name give glory
because of Your faithful love, because of Your truth.2 Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?” 3 Our God is in heaven
and does whatever He pleases.
4 Their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands.5 They have mouths but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.6 They have ears but cannot hear,
noses, but cannot smell.7 They have hands but cannot feel,
feet, but cannot walk.
They cannot make a sound with their throats.

8 Those who make them are just like them,
as are all who trust in them.
9 House of Israel, trust in YHVH!
He is their help and shield.

10 House of Aaron, trust in YHVH!
He is their help and shield.

11 You who fear the Lord, trust in YHVH!
He is their help and shield.

12 The Lord remembers us and will bless us.
He will bless the house of Israel;
he will bless the house of Aaron;13 he will bless those who fear the Lord—
small and great alike.
14 May the Lord add to your numbers,
both yours and your children’s.15 May you be blessed by the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.16 The heavens are the Lord’s heavens
but the earth he has given to the children of men.

17 It is not the dead who praise the Lord,
nor any of those descending into the silence of death.18 But we will bless the Lord,
both now and forever.
Praise the Lord!

Pearl Doxsey
"Can the Watchtower Crumble?"
"Who is the False Prophet that Gives Breath to the Image of the Beast?"

A 32 year old Bethelite at Warwick, NY was walking along a sidewalk at Bethel, going to the cafeteria for the evening meal, and as he walked along, was in deep prayer to Jehovah God.
He said, "Jehovah, you have promised to give me the desires of my heart. That's what I am asking you for right now. Please give me a confirmation that you will reward my faith and service to you.”
Suddenly the sky clouded up over his head and God in a booming voice spoke to him. "I have searched your heart and determined it to be pure. The last time I granted someone the desires of his heart request .... it was to my servant Solomon.”
“ He didn't disappoint me with his request for wisdom.”
“ I think I can trust that you won't disappoint me either. Because you have been faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you the desires of your heart."
The Brother sat and thought about it for a while and said, "I've always wanted to have a deep understanding of the Bible, and I have really tried, but I have forsaken a good education, and taken a vow of poverty and cannot afford a car or the classes I need to become an Engineer when my service here at Bethel is up …. could you help me afford a car, and a stipend so I can go to school, and learn to provide for myself and my future family as I get old?"
The Lord laughed and said, "That's impossible! Think of the logistics of that! I would have to start creating again to make you a car, and money to use, and get you into a college without any background that would make sense for what you would be learning!”
“ … Your request is very materialistic, a little disappointing. I could do it, but it's hard for me to justify your craving for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of another request …. a request you think would honor and glorify Me as well."
The Brother thought about it for a long while and tried to think of a really good request.
Finally, he said, “Oh God, please hear my request. I was Baptized when I was eight years old, and paid attention all my life, taking notes, reading the Bible, and meditation … but I just cannot understand the “Overlapping Generations” thing. I can’t see how Jesus or the Apostles or any disciples in the Early Church ever understood that, when Jesus was speaking. Can you help me to understand the “Overlapping Generations” Doctrine?”
“I want to know what all the other Brothers and Sisters know, what they feel inside and what they're thinking ...I want to know how to be as truly happy as they are, knowing these deep things about You ....That's the wish that I want, Jehovah … my hearts desire."
… after a few minutes, God said, "How about a Corvette and a full scholarship to Stanford University?"

The Kishon River, which winds through the Jezreel Valley in Israel, has not only witnessed, but contributed to epic battle accounts in the Bible. It was at its shore that Elijah had 450 prophets brought down from heights of Mount Carmel, to have them executed for serving the “Baals” – “Masters”. He had gathered all the “children of Israel” and asked, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21 He challenged the prophets’ abilities to summon their gods and consume the sacrificial offering they had prepared, according to Elijah’s instructions. The Baals never appeared, despite a long period of 450 individuals pleading and dancing around their altar.
After an amazing display of power, God consumed Elijah’s sacrifice on the symbolic 12-stoned altar, causing the people to cry out, ““The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!”. Shortly afterward, the false prophets met their death at the water’s edge of the River Kishon. 1 Kings 18:22-40
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The infamous river played an even greater part in Israel’s history when Deborah the prophetess, wife and mother, acted as judge. This was not a time of peace for Israel, as it had been for a previous eighty-year time period, since …..
“the children of Israel AGAIN did evil in the sight of the Lord. So the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who dwelt in Harosheth Hagoyim. And the children of Israel cried out to the Lord; for Jabin had nine hundred chariots of IRON, and for twenty years he had harshly oppressed the children of Israel.” Judges 4:1-3
How is it that God “sold” his people into the hands of Jabin? The Hebrew word figuratively denotes “surrender”. God surrendered his people over to their idolatrous desires and pleasures, removing His divine protection. Yet, always when the pressure was intense, they “cried out to the Lord” to save them from the result of their actions, which manifested through ruthless, invading armies.
Our forgiving and merciful God responded to the cry of Israel by revealing His plan to Deborah, drawing her attention to the tyrannical power Israel faced. She alluded to this awakening in her victory song sung with Barak:
“Awake, awake, Deborah!
Awake, awake, sing a song!
Arise, Barak, and lead your captives away,
O son of Abinoam! Judges 5:12
Apparently, Barak was initially hesitant in obeying God’s command, only promising to go if Deborah accompanied him. In fact, only half of Israel’s twelve tribes came to fight for the Lord, causing Deborah to question their intentions.
“There was great searching of heart
among the clans of Reuben.
Why did you sit among the sheep pens
listening to the playing of pipes for the flocks?
There was great searching of heart
among the clans of Reuben.
17 Gilead remained beyond the Jordan.
Dan, why did you linger at the ships?
Asher remained at the seashore
and stayed in his harbors.
The people of Zebulun defied death,
Naphtali also, on the heights of the battlefield.” Judges 5:15b-18
The supposed city of Meroz was especially damned:
“Curse Meroz,” says the angel of the Lord,
“Bitterly curse her inhabitants,
for they did not come to help the Lord,
to help the Lord with the warriors.” Judges 5:23
Under the leadership of the Lord and by the mouth of a woman, Jabin’s vast army under Sisera was defeated. Because of Barak’s indecisiveness, it was also at the hands of a woman that Sisera met his end. Still, the book of Hebrews enlightens us that Barak’s faith was reinforced when battling under the Lord’s direction. Judges 4:14; Jer 1:9; Heb 11:32-34
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With only a sword, Barak and the armies of Israel brought Sisera’s 900 chariots of iron to a complete halt. At flood stage, the Kishon River finished off the battle by sweeping all evidence of the massive army off the landscape. It lived up to the meaning of its name – “tortuous”, and “a place of catch, of ensnarement”.
“The kings came and fought,
Then the kings of Canaan fought
In Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo;
They took no spoils of silver.
They fought from the heavens;
The stars from their courses fought against Sisera.
The torrent of Kishon swept them away,
That ancient torrent, the torrent of Kishon." Judges 5:19-21
The early Bible accounts can play out symbolically today, helping us discern the powerful, yet covert foe that has come against Gods chosen people, present in the Watchtower. Although JWs “cry out to the Lord” concerning persecution they face; for instance, in Russia, God does not listen to prayers given on behalf of an idol – on behalf of “Jehovah’s spirit-directed organization”. Rev 13:1,2,4-8
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No, this great foe, disguised as a blessing from God, wears “breastplates of IRON”… Rev 9:9
“Their appearance is like the appearance of horses;
And like swift steeds, so they run.
With a noise like chariots
Over mountaintops they leap,
Like the noise of a flaming fire that devours the stubble,
Like a strong people set in battle array.” Joel 2:4,5
While it is true God has surrendered His people to this army for their acts of idolatry and acceptance of lies, He has again…
alerted a “woman” – Gal 4:22,23; Rev 12:6,14; 11:3,4
who is both a “wife” – 2 Cor 11:2;Rev 21:9;22:17
and a “mother” – Gal 4:26; Rev 12:2,5
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…to sound the alarm and gather an army to “fight” for the Lord. This prophet has awoken to the atrocious condition of God’s Temple priesthood. Just as in Deborah’s day when “the highways were deserted, and “village life ceased in Israel”, the modern day invading army has left God’s Temple of “living stones” a “desolate wilderness”. 2 Cor 6:14-18; Mal 3:1; Ezek 2:7,5; Matt 25:6; Matt 17:11; 24:15; Rev 12:17; Joel 2:3; Lev 26:22; Zech 7:14
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Those of the “woman” covenant who were once under siege, are the prophetic “two witnesses”, making the determining trumpet call for God’s chosen ones to leave their captivity, join forces with Christ, and stand on the side of Truth. They are the “stars” battling “from the heavens” in this war of Armageddon. Ezek 14:22; Matt 24:31; Rev.9:13,14; 12:6; 11:3; John 8:32,36; 1 Cor 7:23;Rev 12:7; Dan 12:3; Rev 1:20
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How many members of the symbolic “12 tribes of Israel” will respond to the call? Sadly, the majority of the anointed ones appear accepting of their plight. With senses dulled to the danger that surrounds them, they have not called out to the Lord asking for His help. The army of ELDERS holds tight reigns on God’s people, influenced by Satan’s sorcery. Rev 16:13; 18:23 The anointed and all are held captive under his grand deception. Are they taking their side in this battle of truth against lies by remaining mute and hidden, in like manner as Meroz, the city that did not take up arms with Barak and received a curse from an angel of God? Rom.9:27; Rev.13:7,8
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I am awestruck at the depth of God’s word and meanings. This elusive city has many connotations behind its name and at its roots – the “Place of Cedars”, a “place of withdrawing”, a large number, and “is not too far removed from the Greek verb μυριζω (murizo), meaning to anoint or sprinkle with μυρον (muron), which denotes a costly ointment”. All of these characteristics aptly describe the anointed “trees” who are purposefully withdrawn from view by a wicked/”king”/slave and his army of “scorpion/locusts”. Meroz can symbolize today’s “apostate city” under God’s curse. Luke 6:43-45; Luke 21:21,22; Matt.24:15,16; Rev.18:4
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God’s people remain under siege with all JWs who are pressed into a spiritual state of famine. Mark 13:8;Luke 21:20-22 Satan uses his invading army and kings to disperse his river of lies; a torrential, invasive flood (by definition, the “waters of MEGIDDO”) which has ensnared God’s people with death-dealing falsehoods.
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From Pearl Doxsey’s article “EARTH SWALLOWS SATAN’S RIVER”
Rev 12:15,16 – “So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.“
“In the time of the end, Satan forcefully "spews" this fluid from his mouth. Because this water is aimed with force and direction, it is said to be "like a river"/"flood".
What is Jesus telling us, when it says that this "water" comes from Satan's "mouth"?
Jesus also said,
"The devil....does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of the lie." (John8:44; Matt.15:11) Satan's "resources" are told to us... (Rev.16:13; 13:2;2Chron.18:21). He is using the "false prophet" and the "Wild Beast", empowering that Beast and prophet with every worldly resource he possesses (Rev.13:2,11,13,7; Rev.9:1,10; Eze.14:15; Rev.13:17)."
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These spiritual "waters" that Satan spews at the "woman" (Through the Beast and false prophet), can not be the "living water" of Truth. No. This river from Satan's mouth (Matt.12:34; Num.21:6; Rev.9:2,3), are powerful lying signs and portents (2Thess.2:9) and the messengers that carry them (Dan.9:26-27; 11:10; Joel 2:2)...intended to destroy the "woman"/promise/New Covenant.”
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This symbolic river, a “place of ensnarement” will not only take the lives of the invading army, but also those who fail to stand up and fight on the side of Truth for the Lord. Rev 19:19
JWS! Who is your Master? Do you serve the “Baals” – an elder body who shows outward piety, but expects your full obedience to the organization? Prophets of God are sent to warn of impending danger resulting from His people’s sins – the fall into idolatry, spiritual immorality, and the gulping down of lies. 2Cor11:12,13,20
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Yes, IDOLATRY.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with ALL YOUR HEART and with ALL YOUR SOUL and with ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the LAW AND THE PROPHETS hang on these two commandments.”
Is this what the Watchtower EXPECTS you to do? NO.
Wt 11/7/15 - “Why are we so determined to avoid them? (“false” teachers) FIRST OF ALL, it is because we love “the God of truth.” So we do not want to listen to false teachings that go against the truth in God’s Word. (Psalm 31:5; John 17:17) WE ALSO LOVE THE ORGANIZATION that Jehovah uses to teach his wonderful truths.
God has no connection with any earthly entity in Satan’s domain. The organization and God are NOT on a level plain, as the Watchtower has convinced you believe. They are not one and the same.
“The Lord, He is God!” Isa 40:25; Deut 4:39
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“For this is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Don’t let your prophets who are among you and your diviners deceive you, and don’t listen to the dreams you elicit from them, for they are prophesying falsely to you in my name. I have not sent them.” This is the Lord’s declaration.
For this is what the Lord says: “When seventy years for Babylon are complete, I will attend to you and will confirm my promise concerning you to restore you to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“and I will restore your fortunes[c] and gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “I will restore you to the place from which I deported you.”
15 You have said, “The Lord has raised up prophets for us in Babylon!” 16 But this is what the Lord says concerning the king sitting on David’s throne and concerning all the people living in this city—that is, concerning your brothers who did not go with you into exile. 17 This is what the Lord of Armies says: “I am about to send sword, famine, and plague against them, and I will make them like rotten figs that are inedible because they are so bad. 18 I will pursue them with sword, famine, and plague. I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth—a curse and a desolation, an object of scorn and a disgrace among all the nations where I have banished them. 19 I will do this because they have not listened to my words”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“the words that I sent to them with my servants the prophets time and time again. And you too have not listened.” This is the Lord’s declaration.
JWs! Gird your sword, take a stand for TRUTH, and escape the certain covenant of death – “Babylon”
Isa 28:15,18; Re 17:15; Matt 24:6; Heb 4:12; Eph 6:10-17; 2Thess.2:8;Rev.2:16; 19:11,15
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Pearl Doxsey:
“When considering your cited verses in Jer.29:10-19, it reminded me of two scripture references about our abandonment to Satanic trial and the result of our faithfulness. Those two scripture references, are connected to Jer.29 as well.....

Isa.54: "6 The Lord will call you back
as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit—
a wife who married young,
only to be rejected,” says your God.
**7 “For a brief moment I abandoned you,
but with deep compassion I will bring you back.**
8 In a surge of anger
I hid my face from you for a moment,
but with everlasting kindness
I will have compassion on you,”
says the Lord your Redeemer.
11 “Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted,
I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise,
your foundations with lapis lazuli.
12 I will make your battlements of rubies,
your gates of sparkling jewels,
and all your walls of precious stones.
13 All your children will be taught by the Lord,
and great will be their peace." (Isa.54)

16 Jesus went on to say, **“In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”**
19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? 20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."
---
I also think about Jer.29:10, where it says that "when 70 years are finished for Babylon". I recently hit upon God's interpretation for 70 years. It was at Isa.23:15.
"At that time Tyre will be forgotten for ***seventy years, the span of a king’s life.*** But at the end of these seventy years, it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the prostitute"
(see also, Jer.25:12) So our symbolic 70 years, is how long we are to be dominated by the Gentiles, the "man of lawlessness", Satan, and the false prophet... Satan's "short period of time" (Luke21:24)
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By a statement in the Jan.18 Watchtower magazine; ......"In the days leading up to the Memorial, we can set aside time to examine prayerfully and carefully our personal relationship with Jehovah. How can we do that? By ‘testing whether we are in the faith.’ To do that, we do well to ask ourselves: ‘Do I really believe that I am part of the only organization that Jehovah has approved to accomplish his will?".......

In effect, does not this statement equate being an obedient slave of the "Watchtower", with being "in the faith"? (
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)
The "faith" being spoken of in the scripture they quote (
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), is according to the Bible, the faith provided by the teaching of Jesus Christ (
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)
... *not a faith rooted in the vacillating doctrine of the Organization. Our "testing" properly occurs, when we are building our faith on the words of Christ.... not the present releases or bound volumes of the doctrines of men.

I hope all will intensely consider, that this statement by the WT,
is crystallized in the symbolic meaning of
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.
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conveys the interpretation of that verse. There it tells us, that we receive a symbolic mark on our forehead, by the spiritual master of our faith (
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). We are either slaves of God's truths, or slaves of the doctrines of men (
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), which is idolatry. Making that choice (
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;
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;
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;
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), means a decision between life, or death (
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).
4womaninthewilderness
- - - - - - -

Many "Jehovah's Witnesses" have said to me,
"Don't you think that we should just wait on Jehovah to straighten things out in the leadership of the Organization? Surely Jehovah will take care of things in His own due time."

Has not God already made clear how He handles wayward leadership and those who cling to them who lead His people astray? Did he "straighten out" Jerusalem, when they rejected His Son? How does God always conclude his covenants with those who reject His guidance? What happened in 70 C.E.?
Don't you remember Christ's warning, at
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,
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?

Please consider my scriptural reply to your questions....
Because of the critical times in which we live, we must consult Yhwh's direction in this (
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,
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).
Certainly, we do not want to view the continuing existence of sin and false doctrines as Yhwh's fault, as if He wants it to continue until He feels inclined to correct it (
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;
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). Any apostasy that exists, is due to men, and not due to God's complacency.
True, this futility and operation of error is being permitted by Yhwh (
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;
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,
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), but not without purpose!
Be certain that you see clearly what that purpose is!

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tells us, that Yhwh allows this test by Satan, so that those who do not really love Him and the truth, will be deceived and marked. The outcome?
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;
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,
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;
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and
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,
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answer.
Does Yhwh really hold accountable, and condemn, those who are deceived into subjection to corrupt leaders, or even just the complacent condoning of an environment of corruption?
See
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make the answer to that clear.
So, if we continue to subject ourselves to a false prophet and continue to take in the spiritual food they provide; how does Yhwh view us? (
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;
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,
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;
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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,
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).
"Waiting on Jehovah" is for the endurance of injustice, after you have actually been subjected to it for righteousness' sake(
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;
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,
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,
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;
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,
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,
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;
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;
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;
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).
The example of Christ was to speak out against religious corruption and poisonous spiritual food (
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). He knew that Truth was the only way to salvation (
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;
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,
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). He was willing to die to provide the vital warning, that we must not be complacent followers (
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;
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;
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,
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,
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;
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;
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). So also, do his brothers and true followers (
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,
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;
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;
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;
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,
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,
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,
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). If we know what is right, and do not do it; it is a sin for us (
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;
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). We know it is right, to warn those in spiritual peril (
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;
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). We know it is wrong to tolerate wicked leaders (
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;
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;
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,
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,
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,
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).

Sitting still in silence, is not truly, "waiting on Jehovah"...as if His patience is to blame for our drunken sleep.
We do not "wait on Jehovah" for Him to make us take action to do what is right (
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,
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;
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). Yhwh is not going to force the corrupt ones to change, so we should stop waiting for that. He is allowing a short time, to see what WE will choose; the condoning of corruption...or faithful action that results in life. (
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;
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,
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)
We have free will, and must choose for ourselves to obey His warnings and guidance. "Waiting" will not accomplish this, nor save us. Decisive action was needed to save Noah and his family (
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;
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). It is the same today (
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;
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).

Many may be under the impression that we have enough time before the end; and that there is time for the Organization to be cleansed and repaired. The reality is, that no longer will imperfect men running an imperfect organization, rule in righteousness during the remainder of Satan's system.
The very next kings will be Yhwh, Christ, and his glorified brothers (
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,
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,
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,
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,
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;
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;
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,
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;
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). These have no need of a man-made Temple, buildings, or Organization (
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,
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,
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;
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;
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;
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;
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,
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,
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;
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). God himself is constructing his own, perfected "organization"; and the last of the living stones are taking their place in the completed Tabernacle of God (
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;
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;
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,
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,
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;
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;
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;
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) This everlasting and glorious "organization" comes down out of heaven from God (
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); not up from the ashes of corruption and sin (
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).

Yhwh has made plain in so many scriptures, that now is not the time for loyalty to those condemned. It is a time for fleeing, an opened door provided by the merciful compassion of the King of Eternity; who does not implement the cleansing fire of His wrath, until first He warns His prophets (
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;
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). Let him that has ears...listen!
(
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)
Pearl Doxsey, 4womaninthewilderness

Watchtower's viewpoint on charities:
"Like the neighborly Samaritan in JesusÂ’ illustration, we want to help suffering people, including those who are not Witnesses. (Luke 10:33-37) The best way to do so is by sharing the good news with them. Â“It is important to make clear right away that we are JehovahÂ’s Witnesses and that our primary mission is to help them spiritually, not materially,Â” notes an elder who has helped many refugees. Â“Otherwise, some may associate with us only for personal advantage."Â Wt 2017/5 p. 7

"If there is any material giving, to charitiesÂ for instance, it is because there is need to salve a conscience, or because one's reputation is at stake." Wt. 1969 5/1 p. 280Â
"But the Lord said to him,Â Â“Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greedÂ and evil.Â Â Fools!Â DidnÂ’t he who made the outside make the inside too?Â But give from what is within to the poor,Â and then everything is cleanÂ for you."Â Luke 11:39-41
"Give to everyone who asks you, and from someone who takes your things, donÂ’t ask for them back.Â Â Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them".Â Luke 6:30,31
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We know that the twelve tribes of Israel were divided after King Solomon died. 1 Kings 11:10,11,31 Ten tribes became known as the Northern Kingdom and called “Israel”. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin were the Southern Kingdom and called “Judah”. Out of all who reigned both in Israel and Judah, only a handful were considered faithful to God. Amazingly, all of Israel’s kings supported calf worship and some, Baal worship; with only a few of Judah’s kings worshiping God. One of them was King Asa.
“ Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did his father David.” 1 Kings 15:11

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…
Today, we would say “great, great grandfather” when referring Asa’s relationship to David. Asa’s immediate father was Abijam.
“And he banished the perverted persons from the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. Also he removed Maachah his grandmother from being queen mother, because she had made an obscene image of Asherah. (A Canaanite goddess) And Asa cut down her obscene image and burned it by the Brook Kidron. But the high places were not removed. Nevertheless Asa’s heart was loyal to the Lord all his days.” 1 Kings 15:13,14
As long as Asa relied completely on God during his reign, peace came to the land of Judah. 2 Chron 14:2-8 When Zera the Ethiopian came up against Judah, Asa’s army of 580,000 men faced a million men and 300 chariots.

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“So Asa went out against him, and they set the troops in battle array in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. And Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, “Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!” (2 Chron 14:9-11)
With God’s intervention, Judah was victorious; but there was one incident during Asa’s reign when he forgot his God and relied on the strength of the King of Syria, when the evil King Baasha (which even means “wicked”) of Israel came up against him. Asa bribed the Syrian king to break off his treaty with Baasha, offering him the treasures of the temple, to side with Judah against Israel. 2 Chron 16:2,3
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Did this act escape God’s notice? No, Hanani the seer reminded him of this victory over the Ethiopians and then stated,
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those WHOSE HEART IS LOYAL TO HIM. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.” Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in prison, for he was enraged at him because of this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at that time.” 2 Chron 16:7-10
In the Watchtower article of 3/2017, “Serve Jehovah With a Complete Heart”, Asa is held up as an example to the flock when dealing with school mates, work mates, and when loved ones are disfellowshipped.
“In such situations, rely on God, just as Asa did. Pray to Jehovah, be courageous, and keep doing what is right. Remember that God strengthened Asa, and he will strengthen you too.”
JWs, look at the history of the organization. How many battles has it fought to secure its fortress? Although there have been many court cases won by the Watchtower; how many court cases today concerning child abuse, are lost? And what about the suffering during the Holocaust, and now Russia? Yes, there have been years of prosperity, but even the wicked, greedy kings of Israel had prosperous years.
Consider the titles of these news articles from the Watchtower’s website:
“Russia Targets Jehovah’s Witnesses With Anti-Extremist Legislation, Reports UN Human Rights Committee”
“Russia’s Supreme Court Ruling Has Negative Impact on Jehovah’s Witnesses”
Within these articles the organization has rallied the opinions of individuals and entities around the plight they face in Russia
• the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
• United Nations Human Rights Committee
• Derek H. Davis, formerly the director of the J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies at Baylor University.
• Roman Lunkin, head of the Center for Religion and Society Studies at the Institute of Europe Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow
By referencing as well as relying on these prominent ones support who sympathize with the Watchtower’s plight, can we see that this is no different than what Asa did when reaching out to the Syrian King for aid instead of giving full reliance on God? Yet, this has been the routine since the Watchtower’s beginnings. Although it will point out Jesus’ words of Mark 13:9 as the reason behind their persecution, what he meant cannot be applied to those who expect obedience to men, the elder body and GB, before obedience to God and Christ. Acts 5:29; Rev 13:15
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If we endeavor to serve God with a complete heart, there is nothing left for us to visualize but God and his Son alone, whom we give our service to; but just as the wicked kings worshiped other gods, so too, do those within the Watchtower. If we are told to serve God with a complete heart and are then directed to give our attention and service to an organization built by men who call it the source of salvation, WE COMMIT IDOLATRY. Jer 11:10

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Wt ‘90/11/1 p. 26 – “As Christians, we face up to similar challenges today. We cannot take part in any modern version of IDOLATRY – be it worshipful gestures toward an image or symbol or the imputing of SALVATION to a person or an ORGANIZATION.”
Now, back to Watchtower's true colors:
“Come to Jehovah’s ORGANIZATION for SALVATION” – Wt. ‘81/11/15 p. 212
The Watchtower’s rule of unfaithful anointed ‘kings’ falls in line with those who ruled the Northern tribes of Israel. Calf worship began with Jeroboam, used to distance the people from the true temple in Jerusalem. It became so deeply entrenched through successive reigns; it remained as an icon against God until the fall of the kingdom. Fortifying the kingdom kept the people from true worship in Jerusalem. Baal worship was introduced by Jezebel until the prophet Elijah brought an end to it.
In the organization, the true Temple, God’s anointed priesthood, has been thwarted and replaced by a false priesthood, who comprise the organization – the elder body. 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; 6:19; Eph 2:20,21 In a similar way practiced by Israel’s kings, the flock are told to “stay away” from God’s Temple and look instead toward the idol/organization with its false priesthood as salvation. Replacing God's priesthood is not new. When Jeroboam set up calf worship, he appointed his own priesthood which of course, was not sanctioned by God. 1 Kings 12:32; 2 Chron 11:14
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JWs, do you know the names of those on your elder body? Of course, you do. On the other hand, God’s authentic priesthood is to remain anonymous.
Wt. 1/16 -“ Do those of the other sheep need to know the names of all those who are anointed today? The short answer is NO. Why not? Because even if someone has received the heavenly calling, that person has received only an invitation, not a final confirmation of the reward. That is why Satan raises up “false prophets . . . to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones.”
Who are the anointed ones that have made themselves quite prominent, and whose names are on every JW tongue? It is the Governing Body, Revelation’s “Jezebel”. They are the source of the previous Wt. quote; false prophets who expect the chosen ones and companions to commit idolatry by giving servitude to all functions, and loyalty toward the mission of the organization; a mission that has at its roots the purpose to destroy. Rev 12:1-4
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“Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. Rev 2:20
Like Israel’s Jezebel, the “Jezebel” today is responsible for “killing” (disfellowshipping) those in Christ who desire to serve God with a complete heart. 1 Kings 18:4; John 16:1-4
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She, and her ‘army’ are those Christ’s faithful ones face when Jesus said,
“But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake.” Luke 21:12
When dealing with King Ahab and his wife Jezebel, Elijah the prophet declared a drought on Israel. God told him to leave and assured him he would be fed and cared for. 1 Kings 17:1-15 Today’s “Elijah” who pronounce to God’s people to repent of their sins, are the “two witnesses” who have left Watchtower’s idolatry and its spiritually desolate state. Zech 4:11; Rev 11:3,4; Matt 17:3,4,10,11; Amos 8:11; Rev 18:8; Luke 17:31-37; Rev 12:14
They, and all who desire to serve God with a complete heart are spiritually well cared for during this time of the Marriage Feast of the Lamb. Matt 22:1-14, not found within the walls of the Watchtower. Rev 13:7,15 Luke 17:26-37; Rev 11:1,3,4,7
To whom, then, can you compare God?To what statue can you compare him?Craftsmen make idols.Goldsmiths cover them with gold.Silversmiths make silver chains for them.The poorest people choose wood that will not rotand search out skillful craftsmento set up idols that will not fall over.Don’t you know?Haven’t you heard?Haven’t you been told from the beginning?Don’t you understand the foundations of the earth?God is enthroned above the earth,and those who live on it are like grasshoppers.He stretches out the sky like a canopyand spreads it out like a tent to live in.He makes rulers unimportantand makes earthly judges worth nothing.They have hardly been planted.They have hardly been sown.They have hardly taken root in the ground.Then he blows on them and they wither,and a windstorm sweeps them away like straw.“To whom, then, can you compare me?Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Isa 40:18-25

As promised in the May 2017 Broadcast, the upgrade to JW Library is now available for Android and Windows. (Apple to follow presumably).
Upgrade to JW Library 9 from Google Play Store or Windows10 Store.
(Apologies if posted elsewhere already)

Part of a series on:
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employ various levels of congregational discipline as formal controls administered by congregation
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. Guilt and repentance are determined by a tribunal of
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, and hearings concerning what they term "serious sin" are performed by formal
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. A variety of controls can be enforced, from restriction of duties performed in the congregation to excommunication, known as disfellowshipping, and shunning by the congregation. Members who are disfellowshipped have an opportunity to regain membership. The practice of disfellowshipping has been criticized by many non-members and ex-members.
Historical
The first brother officially disfellowshipped publicly was
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by public resolution in front of an entire "District assembly" .... and in an even older schism case Paul S.L. Johnson was also "excommunicated".It was in the year 1952 that the Watchtower introduced disfellowshipping as now practiced.

Russell discussed disfellowshipping and avoiding wrongdoers as early as 1893. However, this was not applied to Watchtower followers, but rather that Christians in general should avoid those who show themselves to be untrue to God.
"To be separate does not mean to be friends and companions, or to be in fellowship on any grounds. It means that we are to make a clean-cut division between ourselves and all the unclean, the impure in heart, as manifested by their disloyalty to the truth, and thereby to God, its great Author: and that this separation is to be so marked that the disfellowshipped one will be sure to know it. and that none can mistake our obedience and loyalty to the lord and his truth. There is to be no trifling or half-way obedience in this matter: for we are not only to be separate in spirit from the enemies of the Lord, but we are not to touch the unclean. As the Apostle elsewhere says we are to avoid them-to have no part or lot with them." Watchtower 1893 Oct 15 p.1588
"We are not of those who disfellowship Christian brethren on account of some differences of opinion; but when it comes to the point of denying the very foundation of all christianity we must speak out and withstand all such to the face, for they become the enemies of the cross of Christ." Watchtower 1882 Dec p.423
Later, a procedure was implemented where a congregation as a whole discussed an individual's wrongdoing and if they came to a near unanimous decision to disfellowship, the unrepentant sinner was not shunned but treated as a heathen. It was primarily for a person that rejected the value of Christ's Ransom.
"The administration of discipline is not the function of the elders only, but of the entire Church. Thus it is evident that the Elders were in no sense to be judges of the members-hearing and judgment were left to the local body, or Church. Indeed, even if the transgressor refuse to hear (obey) the decision of the entire Church, no punishment is to be inflicted or even attempted. What then? Merely the Church is to withdraw from him its fellowship and any and all signs or manifestations of brotherhood. Thenceforth the offender is to be treated "as a heathen man and a publican." Matt. 18:17" Studies Series VI - The New Creation (1904) pp.289, 290
"The Scriptural basis of fellowship and disfellowship is both a much broader and a much more simple one. It is simply of two parts: (1) An acceptance of Christ as the Redeemer, and (2) A full consecration to him. Whoever complies with this scriptural formula is entitled to the love, respect, sympathy and care of every other such one; for such, and such only, constitute the church which God recognizes - the church whose names are written in heaven." Watchtower 1905 p.3673
"According to this Scripture the very most that the church could do would be that, after having vainly endeavored to get the brother to repent and reform, it should withdraw special brotherly fellowship from him until such time as he would express willingness thereafter to do right. Then he should be received again into full fellowship.
In the meantime the brother may merely be treated in the kindly, courteous way in which it would be proper for us to treat any publican or Gentile, withholding the special rights or privileges or greetings or voting opportunities that belong to the church as a class separate from the world." Watchtower 1919 Mar 1 p.69
Russell and Rutherford were lenient towards doctrinal disagreements, advising that making all followers think alike on doctrine is what originally caused the great apostasy, a tactic of Satan and a method of control.
"Rather, like the church of Rome their ["Religious leaders of today"] influence is exerted to restrain investigation within the sectarian limits. With the implied threat of disfellowship, they urge their ministers and students not to search continually for truth, but to accept the voice of their sect as infallible."Watchtower 1887 Apr p.923
"The great adversary is wily, and at all times is quick to appeal to passion. He persuades some that they must take a radical stand against some secular work or activity, and to proceed at once to disfellowship others who cannot conscientiously take this same stand. Somehow they seem to think that their radical stand entitles them in a very special sense to divine favour and blessing. his attitude leads them to violate principle in various ways: (1) By judging and condemning others who do not see as they do; (2) By refusing to fellowship those who still believe in the ransom, the restitution, the high calling." Watchtower1919 Feb 1 p.6385
"Satan's organization sails under the high-sounding name of "Christendom". It boasts of a membership of over 500,000,000 persons. Its members are in bondage to creeds, customs, rites and ceremonies; they dare not disown these or criticize or expose them. To do so would bring down on their heads taunts, reproaches, disfellowship and persecution. Many thousands of the Lords people are held in these denominations as prisoners, afraid to express their disapproval of the creeds, methods and customs of the organization. Watchtower 1930 Oct 1 p.301
As late as 1947, the Awake described the practice of excommunication as an unscriptural, pagan practice, using Hebrews 10: 26-31 to show it should be left to God to judge individuals.

Quite remarkably, it was in the years surrounding the above article that Knorr was setting up the disfellowshipping arrangement followed to this day. In the Watchtower 1944 May 15 p.151, responsibility to judge an individual was moved from the congregation to judicial committees. The turning point came in 1952, where a Watchtower article dismissed Jesus remarks to refer a wrongdoer to the congregation, although with no explanation as why:
"There is one more scripture quite pertinent here, at Matthew 18:15-17. ... This scripture here has nothing to do with disfellowshiping on a congregational basis. When it says go to the congregation, it means go to the elders or the mature ones in the congregation and discuss your own private difficulties. This scripture has to do with merely a personal disfellowshiping." Watchtower 1952 Mar. 1 p.147
This 1952 Watchtower was devoted to delivering clear guidelines on updated Watchtower disfellowship policy, clarifying what was to become an ever increasing list of offences. It denounced the disfellowshipped person in the strongest of terms.
We might wonder, then, since this congregation which God is developing or bringing into existence is based on love, why anyone should ever want to talk about disfellowshipping or putting people out of this congregation. There certainly must be some reason. Well, the reason for disfellowshipping is that some persons get into this congregation of God that do not love Christ. Those who are acquainted with the situation in the congregation should never say Hello or Goodbye to him. He is not welcome in our midst, we avoid him. Such an individual has no place in the clean organization or congregation of God. He should go back to the wicked group that he once came from and die with that wicked group with Satans organization. Watchtower 1952 Mar 1 pp.131,134
This change was later justified as a result of worsening "moral corruption" following World War II.
"Even as early as 1904, the first president of the Watch Tower Society, in his book The New Creation, outlined a Scriptural procedure for dealing with violators, even to the point of withdrawing from them the congregation’s “fellowship and any and all signs or manifestations of brotherhood.” But this extreme measure of excommunication or disfellowshiping was not widely practiced among the congregations and was not made a requirement on congregations until 1952. No longer could Christian conduct be viewed simply as a matter affecting only the individual or individuals involved." Watchtower 1967 Oct 1 p.596
"During the years following World War II the moral corruption of the world began to reach frightful proportions. The possibility existed that God’s clean organization could become contaminated by such corruptive influences. But Jehovah was interested in his people, just as in times past, so through his channel of communication he lovingly brought forward information to counteract the filth that could tarnish or cause his people to become unholy. (Matt. 24:45-47) Particularly from 1946, personal moral cleanness became a matter of much greater concern to the Lord’s people. (2 Cor. 7:1) Starting in 1952, the more formal Scriptural arrangement of disfellowshiping wrongdoers was instituted. Those who committed gross sins such as adultery and fornication were expelled from the congregation, if they did not repent. (1 Cor. 5:11-13) God’s organization would not tolerate persons who refused to keep unspotted, clean and pure in the sight of Jehovah." Watchtower 1976 Feb 15 p.122
In the Watchtower 1955 Oct 1 p.607, even to associate with a disfellowshipped person became a reason to be disfellowshipped:
If a publisher refuses to do this and ignores the prohibition on associating with the disfellowshipped one, that publisher is rebelling against the congregation of Jehovah, and rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. If after sufficient warning the publisher persists in associating with the disfellowshipped person instead of aligning himself with Jehovah's organization he also should be disfellowshipped.
Shepherd the Flock of God (2011) shows that associating with a disfellowshipped nonrelative continues as a disfellowshipping offence by including such association under the categorization of brazen conduct.
Willful, continued, unnecessary association with disfellowshipped nonrelatives despite repeated counsel." p.60
Members of the congregation are instructed to watch each other and alert the elders to any noticed indiscretions. With a degree of persuasiveness members are told that the Highest Level of authority demands they even break their countries law to report on their brothers.
"This command from the Highest Level of authority in the universe put the responsibility upon each Israelite to report to the judges any serious wrongdoing that he observed so that the matter might be handled. While Christians are not strictly under the Mosaic Law, its principles still apply in the Christian congregation. Hence, there may be times when a Christian is obligated to bring a matter to the attention of the elders. True, it is illegal in many countries to disclose to unauthorized ones what is found in private records. But if a Christian feels, after prayerful consideration, that he is facing a situation where the law of God required him to report what he knew despite the demands of lesser authorities, then that is a responsibility he accepts before Jehovah. There are times when a Christian must obey God as ruler rather than men. Acts 5:29"Watchtower 1987 Sep 1 p.13
Since the introduction of disfellowshipping, there have been a number of changes in Watchtower doctrine and hence the reasons for being disfellowshipped have also changed back and forth. How can this occur if Jehovah directs an organization's rules? When a situation arises in a congregation that is not clearly specified in the Bible or a Watchtower publication and the elders and branch feel unable to deal with it this is referred to the Governing Body. How does the Governing Body arrive at a new principle for being disfellowshipped? Does the Holy Spirit guide them to examine scripture and arrive at a uniform consensus on what God's standard is? No, the vote does not have to be unanimous. New laws can be introduced with only a two-thirds majority vote.(6) For this reason both the regulation on organ transplants and oral sex was able to be changed back and forth within the space of little over a decade, with huge affect on member's lives.For instance, the practice of smoking did not become a disfellowshipping offence until 1973. Having an organ transplant was an offence worthy of being disfellowshipped for over a decade, but is no longer viewed as wrong.Oral or anal sex between married couples was classified as;
a disfellowshipping offence - Watchtower 1974 Nov 15 p.704
no longer an offence - Watchtower 1978 Feb 15 pp.30-32
once again an offence - Watchtower 1983 Mar 15 p.31
One may have hoped that the draconian system of disfellowshipping may have eased over the years, yet the opposite is true. In 1974 there was a softening of the 1952 stance, with release of the following article, but this was short lived;
"Congregational elders, as well as individual members of a congregation, therefore, ought to guard against developing an attitude approaching that which some Jewish rabbinical writers fomented toward Gentiles in viewing them as virtual enemies. It is right to hate the wrong committed by the disfellowshiped one, but it is not right to hate the person nor is it right to treat such ones in an inhumane way. We may note, too, that at 1 Corinthians 5:11 the apostle warns against mixing in company with one who "is" a fornicator or practicer of some other kind of serious wrongdoing. What, however, of the one who has been disfellowshiped for being that kind of person but who thereafter, either at an early point or at a later point in time, gives consistent evidence of discontinuing such wrong practice, stopping it? Can it be said that he or she still "is" a fornicator or whatever type of wrongdoer such a one was that caused him or her to be as "leaven" toward the congregation? For example, a young person disfellowshiped for fornication may thereafter marry, raise a family and live a respectable life. Or one who was disfellowshiped for drunkenness may abandon such practice and, if drinking at all, may do so in moderation only. By such changes these individuals may now regain the respect of the community. Such ones may not yet have come and formally sought reinstatement by the congregation. Is there, however, not an evident difference between these and others who continue right on in the wrongdoing that brought their disfellowshiping? Those giving up the wrong practice may still manifest some appreciation for Christian truth, perhaps even defending the true Christian congregation when someone speaks evil against it. Should not such circumstances be given due weight and have an effect on our attitude as a congregation toward such ones? Surely if the prodigal son of the parable had returned home in a drunken state, perhaps dragging along one of his harlot companions, the father's reaction would not have been the same. But the father had reason to believe that the son was approaching with a right motive and, rather than suspect the worst, the father hoped the best and went out to meet his errant son." Watchtower 1974 Aug 1 pp.467-469
This more reasonable stance reverted back to strict shunning in 1981, with a comprehensive discussion in the Watchtower Sep 15. The 2008 book Keep Yourself in God's Lovecontinues to refer to the 1981 Watchtower as the standard to be followed.

Correction
Non-judicial situations involve actions that are considered sinful or simply regrettable but are not considered to be of sufficient gravity to necessitate a
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, and cannot result in disfellowshipping from the congregation; specific action by congregation
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is not administered in such situations, but counsel (or correction) may be provided by a mature Witness in addition to self-discipline and family discipline.[1]
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may also give recommendations or warnings to members in non-judicial situations.

If an active baptized Witness is considered to have committed a "serious sin" for which the sinner must demonstrate formal repentance, correction (or, "discipline") is administered by the congregation’s body of
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. Such situations usually involve a "judicial committee" of three or more
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.[2]

Discipline involving non-judicial situations
At the
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' discretion, "non-judicial" situations may involve discipline of one or more of several types, presented here in escalating seriousness.

Local needs
At conventions and assemblies, and about once each month at a local Service Meeting, a short talk regarding "local needs" is presented.[3] An
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addresses matters that are relevant to the local congregation, with instructions outlining the course of action considered appropriate. No specific individuals are identified during the talk, but the talk may relate to a matter for which a member has recently been "reproved". At times, some temporary policy may be announced that might be seen as disciplinary; for example, it may be that an additional attendant is assigned outside a
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to discourage children from running on the sidewalk.[4]

Shepherding calls
Personal "shepherding visits" are intended to encourage members of the congregation, though may also include counsel and correction, then or on a subsequent visit.[5][6] Two
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(or an
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and a ministerial servant) may schedule and perform a particular shepherding visit on their own or at the direction of the body of
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.[7]

Withheld recommendations or assignments
The body of
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may withhold its recommendation for a member to serve in a new position of responsibility, though still permitting existing responsibilities.[8]

For example, a ministerial servant who consistently seems insufficiently prepared for his meeting parts may have such assignments withheld for a time, even though he may continue serving as a ministerial servant or in some other "special privilege of service".[9]

Loss of "special privileges"
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, ministerial servants, pioneers, or other appointed Witnesses can lose their "special privileges of service".[10][11] For example, an
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may be removed or choose to step aside voluntarily from his position if members of his household are not in "good standing".[12] After resignation or removal from an appointed position, an announcement is made during the congregation's Service Meeting indicating that the person is "no longer serving", without elaboration.[13]

Limited "privileges of service"
An active
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may have their congregational "privileges of service" limited even without having committed a serious sin. For example, the body of
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may feel that a member wronged others by some investment scheme which was not necessarily fraudulent.[14] While Witnesses sometimes refer to field ministry, after-meeting cleanup, and other responsibilities as "privileges", the term "privileges of service" often implies a specific range of assignments assisting
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and ministerial servants with meeting demonstrations and other responsibilities.[15] Such limitations are usually temporary.[16]

Marking
Members who persist in a course considered scripturally wrong after repeated counsel by
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,[17] but who are not guilty of something for which they could be disfellowshipped,[17] can be "marked", based on
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' interpretation of 2 Thessalonians 3:14. Though not shunned, "marked" individuals are looked upon as bad association and social interaction outside of formal worship settings is generally curtailed. This action is intended to "shame" the person into following a particular course of action.[17] "Marking" is indicated by means of a talk given at the Service Meeting outlining the shameful course, but without explicitly naming any particular individual. Members who know whose actions are being discussed may then consider the individual "marked".

Procedures
Evidence for actions that can result in congregational discipline is obtained by voluntary confession to the
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or by witnesses of the violation. A minimum of two witnesses is required to establish guilt, based on their understanding of Deuteronomy 17:6 and Matthew 18:16, unless the person confesses voluntarily.[34] Members are instructed to report serious sins committed by others members.[35] Failure to report a serious sin of another member is viewed as sharing in the sins of others, a sin before God.[36] Witnesses are instructed that pledges of confidentiality may be broken to report what they believe to be transgressions.[37]

A congregation's body of
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considers confessions or credible allegations of serious sin, and decides whether a judicial committee will be formed to address the matter.[38] A judicial committee, usually consisting of three
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, investigates the details of the alleged sin further. The committee arranges a formal judicial hearing to determine the circumstances of the sin, whether the accused is repentant, and whether disciplinary actions will be taken.[39][40][41]

In certain situations, a body of
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may handle a situation involving "serious sin" by a baptized Witness without a judicial committee:
Minor or newly baptized - A minor or newly baptized Witness might commit one or two acts of "serious sin" involving tobacco or overdrinking;[42][43] repercussions as for 'non-judicial' situations may still be imposed.
Repentance - The body of
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may believe the sinner's repentance has been established and accepted. For example, if a member committed a "serious sin" several years ago, had formally repented in prayer, and the sin did not involve scheming.[44] Witnesses are strongly discouraged from waiting years to resolve such matters;[45] even if years have passed since the serious sin, it is typical for a judicial committee to be formed, and there may still be repercussions as for ‘non-judicial’ situations.
Judicial abeyance -
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may become aware of a "serious sin" committed by a baptized Witness who has been inactive for some time and is not perceived as a
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. If the alleged sinner is not associating with active Witnesses, the
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may indefinitely postpone a judicial committee and formal hearing unless and until the individual renews their association with the congregation.[46]
Judicial committee
A person accused of a serious sin is informed of the allegations and invited to attend a judicial committee meeting. The individual is permitted to bring witnesses who can speak in their defense; observers are not allowed,[47] and the hearing is held privately even if the accused individual requests that it be heard openly so all may witness the evidence.[48][49] Recording devices are not permitted at the hearing.[47] If the accused repeatedly fails to attend an arranged hearing, the committee will proceed but will not make a decision until evidence and testimony by witnesses are considered.[47]

The committee takes the role of prosecutor, judge and jury when handling its cases.[50] After the hearing is opened with a prayer, the accused is invited to make a personal statement. If there is no admission of guilt, the individual is informed of the source of the charges and witnesses are presented one at a time to give evidence. Witnesses do not remain present for the entire hearing. Once all the evidence is presented, the accused and all witnesses are dismissed and the committee reviews the evidence and the attitude of the accused.[47]

The committee may determine that there was no "serious sin", or that mitigating circumstances absolve the accused individual. The committee may then proceed with discipline such as is described for 'non-judicial' situations.[51] Alternatively, the committee may decide that a serious sin was committed, in which case, the committee gives verbal admonitions and gauges the individual's attitude and repentance. The committee then decides whether discipline will involve formal reproof or disfellowshipping.

Reproof
Reproof involves actions for which a person could be disfellowshipped, and is said to be an effort to 'reach the heart' and convince a person of the need to hate the sanctioned actions[52][53] and repent.[54] Reproof is considered sufficient if the individual is deemed repentant.[55][56] Reproof is given before all who are aware of the transgression. If the conduct is known only to the individual and the judicial committee, reproof is given privately. If the sin is known by a small number, they would be invited by the
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, and reproof would be given before the sinner and those with knowledge of the sin. If the action is known generally by the entire congregation or the wider community, an announcement is made that the person "has been reproved".[57] A related local needs talk may be given, separately to the announcement, without naming anyone.[58]

In all cases of reproof, restrictions are imposed,[59] typically prohibiting the individual from sharing in meeting parts, commenting during meetings, and giving group prayers. A reproved Witness cannot enroll as a pioneer or auxiliary pioneer for at least one year after reproof is given.[60][61]

Disfellowshipping
All members are expected to abide by the beliefs and moral standards of
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, and serious violations of these requirements can result in disfellowshipping if not deemed repentant; the term is used in reference to both the act of congregational expulsion (similar to excommunication) and subsequent shunning.[62] When a judicial committee decides that a baptized Witness has committed a serious sin and is unrepentant, the person is disfellowshipped. A person can appeal if they believe that a serious error in judgment has been made. Requests for appeal must be made in writing and within seven days of the decision of the judicial committee. If the decision is not appealed, an announcement is made at the Service Meeting that the named individual "is no longer one of
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", without any further explanation. Shunning starts immediately after the announcement is made.[63]

If a baptized Witness teaches contrary to Witness doctrines, it is considered apostasy and grounds for disfellowshipping. A 1981 letter to overseers—reproduced in a book by former
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member
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—directed that a member who "persists in believing other doctrine", even without promoting such beliefs, may also be subject to disfellowshipping.[64]
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usually try to reason with the individual before such action is taken.[65] If a person believes that a teaching should be adjusted or changed, he is encouraged "to be patient and wait on Jehovah for change".[66]

All members are encouraged to have a detailed understanding of what is expected and the consequences of wrongdoing.[67] The stated purpose of congregation discipline is to help erring ones be restored to spiritual health, to help uphold the organization's reputation, and to keep the congregation clean from wrong conduct.[68]

Shunning
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shun disfellowshipped individuals, a process Watch Tower Society publications describe as "withholding fellowship".[69] Their shunning policy is based on their interpretation of scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; Matthew 18:15-17; and 2 John 9-11.[70][71]

Witnesses state that avoiding interaction with disfellowshipped former adherents helps to:
avoid reproach on God's name and organization by indicating that violations of the Bible's standards in their ranks are not tolerated;
keep the congregation free of possible corrosive influences;[72] and
convince the disfellowshipped individual to re-evaluate their course of action, repent and rejoin the religion.[73]
Shunning is also practiced when a member formally resigns membership or is deemed to indicate, by their actions, a statement, or their association with another religion, that they do not wish to be known as a Witness. Such individuals are said to have disassociated,[74][75] and are described by the Watch Tower Society as "lawless" in a spiritual sense.[76] In either case ("disfellowshipping" or "disassociating"), an announcement is made at the
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that "[full name] is no longer one of
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." This announcement is made at the congregation the person attends.[77] Congregation members are not informed whether a person is being shunned due to "disfellowshipping" or "disassociation", nor on what grounds. The Watchtower states that "apostates are “mentally diseased,” and they seek to infect others with their disloyal teachings. (1 Timothy 6:3, 4 [NWT]).";[78][79] some have stated that this applies to all individuals who leave the organization.[80][81]

Failure to adhere to the directions on shunning is itself considered a serious offense. Members who continue to speak to or associate with a disfellowshipped or disassociated person are said to be sharing in their "wicked works"[82] and may themselves be punished by disfellowshipping.[83] Exceptions are made in some cases such as business relations and immediate family household situations.[69] If a disfellowshipped person is living in the same home with other baptized family members, religious matters are not discussed, with the exception of minors, for whose training parents are still responsible.[84][85] Disfellowshipped family members outside the home are shunned.[86]

The Watchtower 2013 Jan 1 p.16 even denies family communication by email, stating; "Do not look for excuses to associate with a disfellowshipped family member, for example, through e-mail." Interestingly, whilst the translation into most languages is the same, the Spanish edition extends this to "email, phone or text messaging."

Disfellowshipped individuals can continue attending meetings held at the
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, though they are shunned by the congregation. Attending meetings while being shunned is a requirement for eventual reinstatement.[87]

If a person dies in a disfellowshipped state they still are not to be associated with, so Witnesses are persuaded from attending their funeral.
"In "Questions from Readers" (The Watchtower, 1961, p. 544) the position was taken that a funeral for a disfellowshiped person was improper. The comment was made: "We never want to give the impression to outsiders that a disfellowshiped person was acceptable in the congregation when in truth and in fact he was not acceptable but had been disfellowshiped from it." A Christian congregation would not want its good name besmirched by having it associated with any to whom 2 John 9, 10 applied, even in their death." Watchtower 1977 Jun 1 p.347
Under certain circumstances even a parent can be disfellowshipped for associating with their own disfellowshipped children.
"Normally, a close relative would not be disfellowshipped for associating with a disfellowshipped person unless there is spiritual association or an effort made to justify or excuse the wrongful course." Pay Attention to Yourselves and all the Flock p.103
The latest elder's book, Shepherd the Flock of God (2010) reconfirms this, explaining that association with a relative can result in losing congregation privileges and even being disfellowshipped.
Assist those having undue association with disfellowshipped or disassociated relatives. ... If members of the congregation are known to have undue association with disfellowshipped or disassociated relatives who are not in the household, elders should counsel and reason with those members of the congregation from the Scriptures. ... If it is clear that a Christian is violating the spirit of the disfellowshipping decree in this regard and does not respond to counsel, it may be that he would not qualify for congregation privileges, which require one to be exemplary. He would not be dealt with judicially unless there is persistent spiritual association or he openly criticizes the disfellowshipping decision. pp.114-116
Watchtower has publicly announced to the authorities in Finland a change to the above instructions

Reinstatement
Disfellowshipped individuals may be reinstated into the congregation if they are considered repentant of their previous actions and attitude. When a disassociated or disfellowshipped individual requests reinstatement, a judicial committee, (the committee originally involved, if available) seeks to determine whether the person has repented.[88] Such individuals must demonstrate that they no longer practice the conduct for which they were expelled from the congregation, as well as submission to the religion's regulations.[89][90][91] Individuals disfellowshipped for actions no longer considered serious sins, such as organ transplants, are not automatically reinstated. Meeting attendance while being shunned is considered by the organization as an important step toward eventual reinstatement.[92] Once a decision is made to reinstate, a brief announcement is made to the congregation that the disfellowshipped member is once again one of
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.

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are instructed to make an attempt each year to remind disfellowshipped ones of the steps they can take to qualify for reinstatement.[69][93] No specific period of time is prescribed before this can happen, however the Watch Tower Society suggests a period of "perhaps many months, a year, or longer."[94] In 1974, the Watch Tower Society stated that about one third of those disfellowshipped eventually return to the group, based on figures gathered from 1963 to 1973.[95]

The following 17 minute recording was taken by a girl attempting to be reinstated, and highlights the procedure well. It starts slowly, but is quite heartbreaking at the end. You will probably agree with the girl's comment regarding the elders lack of heart.

Legality
In June 1987, the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld the Witnesses' right to shun those who fail to live by the group's standards and doctrines, upholding the ruling of a lower court, finding that "shunning is a practice engaged in by
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pursuant to their interpretation of canonical text, and we are not free to reinterpret that text … The defendants are entitled to the free exercise of their religious beliefs … The members of the Church [she] decided to abandon have concluded that they no longer want to associate with her. We hold that they are free to make that choice."[96][97]

Unbaptized publishers
An unbaptized individual who has previously been approved to share in
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' formal ministry or participate in their Theocratic Ministry School, but who subsequently behaves in a manner considered inappropriate may lose privileges, such as commenting at meetings, receiving assignments, or even accompanying the congregation in the public ministry.[98]

If an unbaptized individual is deemed unrepentant of actions for which baptized members might be disfellowshipped, an announcement would be made that the person "is no longer a publisher of the good news."[99] Such individuals were previously shunned, but formal restrictions are no longer imposed on unbaptized individuals, though association is generally curtailed. The
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might privately warn individuals in the congregation if the unbaptized person is considered to pose "an unusual threat".[100]
Critical view
The only way to officially leave
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is to disassociate or be disfellowshipped, and both entail the same set of prohibitions and penalties, with no provision for continued normal association. Sociologist Andrew Holden has claimed that fear of family break-up or loss causes people who might otherwise freely leave the religion to remain members.[101]
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state that disfellowshipping is a scripturally documented method to protect the congregation from the influence of those who practice serious wrongdoing.[102] Critics contend that the judicial process itself, due to its private and nearly autonomous nature, directly contradicts the precedent found in the Bible and the organization's own teachings and can be used in an arbitrary manner if there is consensus among just a few to abuse their authority.[103]

According to
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, a letter dated September 1, 1980, from the Watch Tower Society to all circuit and district overseers advised that a member who "merely disagrees in thought with any of the Watch Tower Society's teachings is committing apostasy and is liable for disfellowshipping."[104] The letter states that one does not have to "promote" different doctrines to be an apostate, adding that
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need to "discern between one who is a trouble-making apostate and a Christian who becomes weak in the faith and has doubts."[104]
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indicate that some type of action is required for a member to be disfellowshipped, rather than a 'disagreement in thought'.[105]

Scriptural basis
Though there is Scriptural precedence to limit association with brothers practicing wrongdoing, critics of the Watchtower application of disfellowshipping state that it seriously deviates from Bible guidelines in a number of ways;The word "disfellowship" does not appear in the Bible
2 John 10 says not to greet the Antichrist. The Watchtower uses this single scripture to support not saying hello to a disfellowshipped person.
At Scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 5, Paul outlined limiting association with Christians that practice wrongdoing, not strict shunning.
The Watchtower disfellowships for practices never discussed in the Bible such as smoking, gambling and having a blood transfusion.
Disfellowshipping is extended to prevent immediate family members associating with their disfellowshipped relatives.
The punishment applies forever, or until the Watchtower Society formally reinstates the person. It is considered irrelevant whether the person no longer practices the wrongdoing they were disfellowshipped for.

Bible discussion of shunning in 1 Corinthian's 15 and 2 John is limited to just the following areas; Fornication, Greed, idolatry, Revilers, Practicing Drunkenness, Extortion and One who does not remain in the teaching of the Christ.

This list should be the full extent of reasons for which to be disfellowshipped. In fact, Diotrephes was reprimanded for attempting to throw people out of the congregation unnecessarily.

3 John 9,10 "I wrote something to the congregation, but Diotrephes, who likes to have the first place among them, does not receive anything from us with respect. That is why, if I come, I will call to remembrance his works which he goes on doing, chattering about us with wicked words. Also, not being content with these things, neither does he himself receive the brothers with respect, and those who are wanting to receive them he tries to hinder and to throw out of the congregation."
Following is the vast list of offences the Watchtower has created for which a Jehovah's Witness can be disfellowshipped or disassociated.

Bible discussion of shunning in 1 Corinthian's 15 and 2 John is limited to just the following areas; Fornication, Greed, idolatry, Revilers, Practicing Drunkenness, Extortion and One who does not remain in the teaching of the Christ.This list should be the full extent of reasons for which to be disfellowshipped. In fact, Diotrephes was reprimanded for attempting to throw people out of the congregation unnecessarily.
3 John 9,10 "I wrote something to the congregation, but Diotrephes, who likes to have the first place among them, does not receive anything from us with respect. That is why, if I come, I will call to remembrance his works which he goes on doing, chattering about us with wicked words. Also, not being content with these things, neither does he himself receive the brothers with respect, and those who are wanting to receive them he tries to hinder and to throw out of the congregation."
Following is the vast list of offences the Watchtower has created for which a Jehovah's Witness can be disfellowshipped or disassociated.The abbreviations refer to the following publications:

Bible guidelines on disfellowshipping
Examining the Scriptures used to justify disfellowshipping, it becomes apparent that Christian writers prescribed marking a Christian wrongdoer but did not provide for the Watchtower practice of disfellowshipping and strict shunning.
Jesus Advice
Jesus commanded that we not judge but love all, particularly those we consider our enemies.
Luke 6:27-37 "But I say to YOU who are listening, Continue to love YOUR enemies, to do good to those hating YOU, to bless those cursing YOU, to pray for those who are insulting YOU. To him that strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also; and from him that takes away your outer garment, do not withhold even the undergarment.Give to everyone asking you, and from the one taking your things away do not ask [them] back. Also, just as YOU want men to do to YOU, do the same way to them. And if YOU love those loving YOU, of what credit is it to YOU? For even the sinners love those loving them.And if YOU do good to those doing good to YOU, really of what credit is it to YOU? Even the sinners do the same.Also, if YOU lend [without interest] to those from whom YOU hope to receive, of what credit is it to YOU? Even sinners lend [without interest] to sinners that they may get back as much. To the contrary, continue to love YOUR enemies and to do good and to lend [without interest], not hoping for anything back; and YOUR reward will be great, and YOU will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind toward the unthankful and wicked. Continue becoming merciful, just as YOUR Father is merciful. Moreover, stop judging, and YOU will by no means be judged; and stop condemning, and YOU will by no means be condemned."
Jesus introduced the standard on how Christian wrongdoers should be treated, saying at Matthew 18:15-17:
"Moreover, if your brother commits a sin, go lay bare his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two more, in order that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. If he does not listen to them, speak to the congregation. If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector."
Jesus did not say to never utter a word to an unrepentant wrong doer but to treat them as a tax collector. He himself spoke to and ate with tax collectors. (Matthew 9:11).
1 Corinthians 5:11
The majority of information on how to treat wrongdoers within the congregation comes from Paul and the main support the Watchtower uses to enforce shunning is from 1 Corinthians 5.Paul showed a balanced approach to wrongdoers, advising not to socialise with such ones, but to still admonish [them] as a brother. 2 Thessalonians is key to understanding that wrongdoers should be marked, not disfellowshipped.
2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15 Now we are giving YOU orders, brothers, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from every brother walking disorderly and not according to the tradition YOU received from us . 14 But if anyone is not obedient to our word through this letter, keep this one marked, stop associating with him, that he may become ashamed. 15 And yet do not be considering him as an enemy, but continue admonishing him as a brother.
Paul did not indicate that marking was only for non-serious sin as the word through this letter at 2 Thessalonians included those not glorifying the name of our Lord Jesus, those refusing to work for a living, and any who had been seduced by apostasy. Paul did not say to disfellowship and shun such people, but rather instructed the congregation to mark or take note of such a person, yet continue admonishing him as a brother. In similar vein the following scriptures do not instruct complete shunning of the person, but rather to take note so as not to be influenced by their wrong ways.
Romans 16:17 "Now I exhort YOU, brothers, to keep your eye on (the word 'mark' is used in many translations) those who cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching that YOU have learned, and avoid them. "
Titus 3:10 "As for a man that promotes a sect, reject him after a first and a second admonition; knowing that such a man has been turned out of the way and is sinning, he being self-condemned."
At 1 Corinthians 5 Paul specifically outlined practices for which to cease mixing with a brother, yet this too is similar to the advice given when marking a brother.
1 Corinthians 5:11 "But now I am writing YOU to quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Do YOU not judge those inside, while God judges those outside? Remove the wicked [man] from among yourselves."
1 Corinthians does not say to totally shun a brother who is a wrong doer, rather it says to quit mixing in company with such a person and not eat with such a man and hence refers to socialising. As the Watchtower has explained, this refers to socialising as friends.
"God's Word states that we should 'not even eat with such a man.' (1 Cor. 5:11) Hence, we also avoid social fellowship with an expelled person. This would rule out joining him in a picnic, party, ball game, or trip to the mall or theater or sitting down to a meal with him either in the home or at a restaurant." Kingdom Ministry 2002 Aug p.3
This does not state that this type of person must never be spoken to. As Paul explained at 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 (quoted earlier), if they are at a meeting it would be reasonable to encourage them. Most certainly a polite greeting is acceptable.1 Corinthians is also specific as to who these words apply to. This advice is in regards to a person"called a brother" who "is" a wrongdoer. No indication is given that they should be avoided when they are no longer recognised as a Jehovah's Witness brother. Nor does it say to shun a person who has stopped their wrongdoing. It is regularly the case that a teenage Witness is disfellowshipped for smoking or fornication. Years later they no longer practice what they were disfellowshipped for and are no longer known in the community as a brother, and so their continued shunning is unjustified.It can also be noted that Paul did not insist that everyone participate in the shunning. Later he wrote that the "majority" participate in the rebuke, showing that some in the congregation may choose not to show rebuke to the person.
2 Corinthians 2:5-6 "Now if anyone has caused sadnessM, he has saddened, not me, but all of YOU to an extent-not to be too harsh in what I say. This rebuke given by the majority is sufficient for such a man, …"
The New World Translation reference M shows Paul was here referring to the situation discussed at 1 Corinthians 5, (as do Christian scholars).Paul gave similar advice on a number of occasions to 'mark' and 'avoid' wrongdoers. This does not mean that the person must be totally ignored, never uttered a greeting, avoiding eye contact, crossing the street to get away from, all common experiences of disfellowshipped Jehovah's Witnesses.
2 John 10
Watchtower extreme treatment of not even saying "hello" to a disfellowshipped Witnesses is not based on the above scriptures, but rather on a single statement at 2 John 7-11:
For many deceivers have gone forth into the world, persons not confessing Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Look out for yourselves, that YOU do not lose the things we have worked to produce, but that YOU may obtain a full reward. Everyone that pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God. He that does remain in this teaching is the one that has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to YOU and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into YOUR homes or say a greeting to him. For he that says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.
2 John is referring to the antichrist and should not be applied across the board to all forms of sin, as done by the Watchtower Society.In order to justify their stance, the Watchtower describes those that stop being Witnesses as apostate and of the Antichrist, saying that "the word apostasy comes from a Greek word that literally means a standing away from but has the sense of desertion, abandonment or rebellion ... [and included] abandonment of right moral standards ... willfully abandoning the Christian congregation thereby become part of the 'antichrist." Watchtower 1985 Jul 15 p.31 In reality, many who stop being Witnesses continue to follow Jesus and Bible morals, but have come to believe that the Watchtower Society is not directed by Jesus.Interestingly, Johns advice here was not limited to former Christians. It included anyone denying Christ. This included Jews that rejected Jesus and people of the nations worshipping other Gods. Yet the Watchtower stance is to apply this only to Jehovah's Witnesses.The meaning of the phrase never receive him into YOUR homes should be understood in the context of the hospitality of first century Jerusalem. Since Christians held congregation meetings in their homes John possibly felt that inviting a denier of Christ into a home could be viewed as sharing worship with non-Christians.Likewise the term to never "say a greeting" needs to be understood in light of first century practice. In the following article, the Watchtower incorrectly claims that John used the term "greeting" to indicate a simple hello.
"John here used khairo, which was a greeting like good day or hello. (Acts 15:23; Matthew 28:9) He did not use aspazomai (as in verse 13), which means to enfold in the arms, thus to greet, to welcome and may have implied a very warm greeting, even with an embrace. (Luke 10:4; 11:43; Acts 20:1, 37; 1 Thessalonians 5:26) So the direction at 2 John 11 could well mean not to say even hello to such ones." Watchtower 1988 Apr 15 p.27
This article claims the word khairo is used to forbid a simple greeting, instead of aspazomai which means a more affectionate embrace, enfolding in the arms, kiss, greeting or welcome. This is incorrect, and the opposite is true. Strong's Concordance states;
5463 chairo {khah'-ee-ro} 1) to rejoice, be glad 2) to rejoice exceedingly 3) to be well, thrive 4) in salutations, hail! 5) at the beginning of letters: to give one greeting, salute
783 aspasmos {as-pas-mos} 1) a salutation, either oral or written
2 John does not indicate a polite greeting is wrong. John here shows that a person is a sharer in the Antichrist's wicked works if he shows acceptance and agreement with the evildoers cause or teachings, or wishes them favour and success.The Watchtower Society uses this single Scripture in 2 John to dictate that every disfellowshipped or disassociated person should not even be politely greeted. This is applied regardless of what the person was disfellowshipped for, including a long list of Society originated rules such as gambling, smoking, or authorising a blood transfusion. Every single one of a disfellowshipped persons Witness friends is told to never greet them again, unless they repent and are formally reinstated by the Watchtower Society. I am aware of friends whose own mothers or their own children have not spoken to them for upwards of 20 years. Yet such shunning is only ever discussed once, was only to apply to the Antichrist, and as such is being misused to its extremity.

Isn’t it annoying when the things that are supposed to help you out end up leaving you worse off? Like eating vegetables that make you gassy. Or waking up from a nap feeling even groggier than when you laid down. Or attempting to organize your life with an ever-growing to-do list, then stressing out at the sheer number of things you need to accomplish.
For that last one, at least, there’s a deceptively simple solution. As Stephanie Lee recently wrote in Lifehacker, the easiest way to cut down on to-do-list-induced stress is to go right to the source: Just cut the list. Specifically, try to look at each day’s tasks with one prompt in mind: “If this was the only thing you did today, you’d be satisfied.” Then, you know, do that thing. Everything else can wait.
Lee explains than her revelation came in the form of a planner, one that gives her space to list just a small handful of daily to-dos and one “Most Important Task of the Day,” for which the planner uses the same prompt to help its users identify. (If picking just one thing seems like a struggle, she notes, there’s another prompt in there, too: “Will moving this forward make all the other to-do’s unimportant or easier to knock off later?”)
And while it’s a handy thing to have printed out in front of you, it’s also a way of thinking you can adopt for any organizational system. “This has challenged me to ponder whether the thing I thought was super important really was that important; or whether it was merely a distraction from the actual thing that I should be working on,” Lee wrote. “I feel a lot less anxiety around all the work I feel like I have to get to and can shove away the clutter to focus on the truly important things that move the needle for me.” Think of it as the Mari Kondo approach to your to-do list: Nothing on there will spark joy, exactly, but decluttering it to keep only the most necessary things will definitely spark productivity, and maybe even a little relief.
http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2017/04/why-you-should-try-decluttering-your-to-do-list.html

Opposers like to quote this reply to a comment “From our Readers” implying that although Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that “Any organization that assumes that position should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism” they themselves do not tolerate any scrutiny or criticism and therefore are being hypocritical.
Is that accusation true?

Awake 1984 8/22
“You all loved it, didn’t you? You couldn’t resist taking a shot at the Catholic Church, could you? I will never forgive the way you mercilessly tore down the Pope. If Jehovah’s Witnesses must refer to cheap shots in attempting to bring down other religions, they’re in more trouble than the Catholics”. - Florda

"We surely were not trying to take cheap shots at the pope or the Catholic Church, nor were we criticizing Catholics. The Catholic Church occupies a very significant position in the world and claims to be the way of salvation for hundreds of millions of people. Any organization that assumes that position should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism. All who criticize have the obligation to be truthful in presenting the facts and fair and objective in assessing such. In both respects we try to live up to that obligation.—ED.

Our ability to discipline ourselves to set clear goals, and then work toward them every day will do more to guarantee our success than any other factor....
13 "Hold on to discipline; do not let it go. Safeguard it, for it means your life."
(Proverbs 4:13)

4 "The king then said to me: “What is it that you are seeking?” At once I prayed to the God of the heavens."
(Nehemiah 2:4)
Nehemiah, governor of the Jews in the fifth century B.C.E., did his best to please God. He spearheaded the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls despite enemy opposition.
He enforced God’s Law, cared for the oppressed, and sought to build up the faith of his fellow Israelites.
Did God notice the good that this faithful man had done? Did Nehemiah have Jehovah’s approval? We can discern the answers in the closing words of the book that bears his name.
Nehemiah prays: “Do remember me, O my God, for good.”
Is Nehemiah afraid that his good deeds have gone unnoticed by God or that God will forget about him? No. Nehemiah is no doubt aware of what earlier Bible writers have said about Jehovah’s keen interest in his faithful worshippers and their good deeds. (Exodus 32:32, 33; Psalm 56:8)
What, then, is he asking God to do? One reference work notes that the Hebrew term translated “remember” implies “the affection of the mind and the action which accompanies recollection.” With full faith in the power of prayer, Nehemiah is asking God to remember him with affection and to bless him.—Nehemiah 2:4.
Will Jehovah answer Nehemiah’s prayer for remembrance? In one respect, he already has. The very fact that Jehovah saw fit to have a permanent record made of Nehemiah’s prayer, making it part of the inspired Scriptures, assures us that he remembers Nehemiah with affection. But the “Hearer of prayer” will do more to answer Nehemiah’s heartfelt request.—Psalm 65:2.

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